Illinois State Police
News Release

Illinois State Police announce a reduction in Memorial Day fatalities

Press Release Date:
June 1, 2007
|| Archived June 15, 2007

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced today that 12 persons lost their lives as a result of 12 fatal crashes on Illinois roadways during the May 25 - 28 Memorial Day weekend. This total compares to 23 fatalities in 23 fatal crashes over the 2006 Memorial Day weekend.

During the four-day enforcement period, the ISP issued more than 18,500 citations and written warnings, arrested 180 individuals for DUI, and provided assistance to more than 1,400 motorists. Of the five fatal crashes handled by the ISP, only one of the five people killed was wearing a safety belt.

The ISP also participated in numerous enforcement initiatives aimed to help reduce fatalities during the holiday weekend, including details focusing on safety belt enforcement, speed enforcement, roadside safety checks, and underage drinking. A new enforcement initiative designed to help increase safety and reduce fatalities during the Memorial Day weekend kicked-off the four-day enforcement period. “Stay Alive on I-55" took place on May 25 from noon until midnight and focused on the fatal five violations (speed, seat belt use, DUI, improper lane usage, and following too closely) and “Scott’s Law” by saturating I-55 with Troopers every 10 miles along the interstate’s corridor.

The Illinois State Police reminds motorists of Scott’s Law which requires motorists to yield to moving emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles, displaying oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights. Additionally, Scott’s Law requires drivers to change lanes (if safe to do so) or reduce speed and proceed with caution when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights.